Reincarnated Swordmaster

Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village

I decided to talk with Manggyang before entering the Water Yao Offering Ritual. As he said, my obsessive push to obtain Hwayo had left some sloppy gaps. On top of that, the play involving the Four Buddha Status had been sealed away.

Manggyang sat at the table and spoke.

"Baek Woong. To be honest... I can no longer predict anything."

"What do you mean?"

"Hmm... When I read your memories, up to roughly your fifteenth reincarnation, the me from your previous lives—Manggyang—had been following a grand plan. It was systematic, with all the foreshadowing laid out. But from some point on, my schemes started spinning in circles, and I relied heavily on improvisation."

"...":

He let out a sigh.

"In the sixteenth reincarnation, I became the Heavenly Realm's Isekai Earth Immortal Manggyang, and in the seventeenth, I got backstabbed by the Vermilion Bird... After that, things spiraled out of control, and I was dragged along by events. You relied heavily on my schemes, but in truth, I wasn't capable of looking after you."

"Separate from whatever talent I have as a strategist, it's a fact that I've failed. No need to look for excuses."

Manggyang analyzing his own past lives wasn't new to me, but this felt a bit unfamiliar now. Before, it had just been lamenting or reminiscing, but this time it was a coldly objective breakdown. He took a swig of water and continued.

"Zhuge Sa telling you 'Don't rely on strategists' was also a jab at me, the incompetent one."

"Hmm."

"Baek Woong. Let's think coldly about this. The reason you always seek me out right after reincarnating is because you need someone to analyze and organize your past lives and find an operational class, right?"

"...You're not wrong."

"At this point, this Manggyang has no martial arts, his spells are utter garbage, and all he's got is his brain. But the scope of your reincarnations has already reached the level of uncovering the secrets of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors or the [Ancient Rulers] and confronting them. Plus, the ancient myth secrets you hold are beyond what any human should possess."

He crossed his arms and said,

"In other words... I'm completely useless lagging along on your reincarnation path like this. Compared to the records of your twenty-third grand adventures, I'm sorely lacking. In your nineteenth life, Zhuge Sa could assist you because he was the cult leader of the Heretic Cult, a demonic sorcerer, master of the Yi Clan with vast knowledge—that's why."

I said to him in surprise,

"That's not true! You're essential to me..."

"That's just your personal fondness as one human to another. Right now, I'm far from qualified to be your comrade."

"...":

I didn't know what to say. I'd never seen Manggyang debase himself like this. But it didn't feel like self-deprecation—there was a firm resolve in his tone. I could sense he had something else in mind. So I looked at him calmly, and Manggyang chuckled.

"Nice look in your eyes. Zhuge Sa really was an excellent strategist."

"You didn't hate Zhuge Sa?"

"How could I not? He handled human decency, learned the Heretic Cult's sorcery and demonic arts, even performed human sacrifices, assassinated people from the imperial palace with curses, and mingled freely with the Yi Clan. My father, Zhuge Yueying, had no choice but to exile him. At least the current me isn't like Zhuge Sa."

With that, Manggyang rubbed his chin, looking pensive.

"...But seeing your memories, I have to revise my opinion. He was remarkable. I might even have to acknowledge the ideals he pursued."

I wasn't sure.

Still, seeing Manggyang acknowledge Zhuge Sa made me feel oddly satisfied. Manggyang continued nonchalantly,

"Well, I said all that, but it's not like I can't help you at all. In fact, I absolutely want to be your comrade. But right now, I'm in a severely deficient state."

I caught on to what he meant.

"You need time to make up for those deficiencies?"

Manggyang nodded.

"Yes. Whether it's martial arts or spells, I need to gain enough power so I don't hold you back. The era where I could win with just my brains is over."

"Hmm... What do you plan to do?"

"I'm thinking of going to the Heavenly Realm's Kunlun Mountain. And punching through the Promotion Gate to become a disciple of the Nine Heavens Fairy once more."

The Heavenly Realm!

Hearing that wrapped me in complex emotions. Up to this point, they were beings whose intentions were unclear and who had shady aspects. They were also the ones who had to overthrow first to gain power to fight the [Ancient Rulers]. Even the cult leader who cried out "Pure Void Fragrant Realm" and confronted the Heavenly Realm had to join hands with the Ruler due to their terrifying might—a force too much for human power alone.

"No way, Manggyang... You plan to become an Earth Immortal."

"Yes. To join the adventure of uncovering the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors' secrets and finding the Seven Luminaries, I'll need at least that much."

Manggyang went on to explain.

According to him, there was a stage where Human Dao cultivators, before reaching the end of their lifespan, underwent Apotheosis, shedding their mortal flesh to gain immense power. This stage was called Mountain Spirits, the lower immortals known as Earth Immortals, since they couldn't yet ascend to the Heavenly Realm—hence "Earthly Immortals."

Advancing further from Earth Immortal led to the higher Heavenly Immortals, also known as Great Dao Divine Immortals. Among Great Dao Divine Immortals, there were ranks by power and hierarchy, but their numbers were few, so it mattered little.

I felt something off midway and asked,

"Wait. But in the past, you as an Earth Immortal had trained at the Heavenly Realm's Kunlun Mountain and come down. For a human cultivator to train in the Heavenly Realm and descend again through the normal progression, doesn't it?"

"You're right. Normally, cultivators train long on earth to become Mountain Spirits, and from them, the elite are selected through competition to ascend via the Promotion Gate and gain positions in the Heavenly Realm. But in the past, I must have taken a shortcut by going straight up the Promotion Gate to become the Nine Heavens Fairy's disciple."

"Hmm... That's strange. Without Earth Immortal spiritual power, how could you even climb the Promotion Gate first? Past all those elite Earth Immortals gathered from across the Central Plains..."

Manggyang shook his head.

"I don't know. With my current knowledge, I can't think of a way, but somehow I did it. And for that Earth Immortal Manggyang, it was probably because you forcibly freed Suye from the North Pole, panicking the Heavenly Realm, and in the nineteenth life, thanks to you, I gained the Three Sovereigns' Inner Gate and Muye's blessing, so the strong spiritual power made it possible."

"Hmm..."

I was convinced. If Manggyang became an Earth Immortal and joined me as a powerful spellcaster, then in the end, I wouldn't need to force Tian Wuzhen around for spell-related matter—he was skilled but prickly.

"And looking back at the current situation, you plan to push through to Hwayo somehow."

"Yes."

"When's the soonest total solar eclipse for Hwayo?"

I rummaged through Yi Clan knowledge and answered cautiously,

"...In human time, about 94 years from now. The next is 367 years after that."

"That's a long wait... A 367-year cycle? So that's why you aimed to break through with the Great Fortune's blessing."

"Yes."

Unfortunately, Hwayo's total solar eclipses were quite detached from my current lifespan. 94 years wasn't an eternity, but it was plenty long—enough for an ordinary person to grow old and die several times over.

Waiting over 90 years just to obtain Hwayo was a massive loss. The one after that, 367 years later, went without saying. By then, it'd be nearing 500 years, practically the end of the Dharma Age. Manggyang thought for a moment and said,

"I won't give you a scheme for that."

"Hmm?"

"As I said, I'm only good for improvisation now. But that improvisation has tangled your path twice already—qualitatively speaking—and until my worldview broadens—I'll leave gathering the Seven Luminaries to your instincts. Because you're a reincarnator."

I nearly choked up. But hearing Manggyang, I knew it wasn't because he disliked me—it was because he trusted my abilities. I also felt he believed this was the time for me, as a true reincarnator, to take initiative and stand on my own. I nodded vigorously.

"Got it! Leave it to me."

Soon after, I began the Water Yao Offering Ritual with Manggyang. As it started, Taheo Cheonjon appeared for the first time, and before he could speak, I shouted at him.

[ I am Ta... ]

"Taheo Cheonjon! I have a question."

[...Cheonjon, huh... What are you curious about? ]

"This offering ritual offers Hwayo's water essence, but would it be acceptable to offer the natural essence dormant in another of the Seven Luminaries?"

This was advice Manggyang had just given me. Taheo Cheonjon blinked in surprise at the unexpected question and replied.

[ Which Seven Luminaries' natural essence do you mean? ]

"The fire essence dormant in Hwayo—would that work?"

[ I'd accept it, but it wouldn't sit well... ]

"Why not?"

Taheo Cheonjon continued with a slightly annoyed expression.

[ We're generous with Hwayo's water essence and bestow great blessings because it's immensely useful to the Heavenly Realm. The water essence's vitality revives the Heavenly Realm's flower gardens—that merit is highly valued. But fire essence is a power the current Heavenly Realm doesn't need, so we don't want it. ]

"...":

From his tone, even offering Hwayo's fire essence would likely make the ritual fail. No one knew this backtrack they can't use—far enough. The ploy to get Hwayo and then score double with its fire essence was dead in the water.

With my question resolved, I said,

"Hmm... Next one, then."

[ Huh? My blessing... ]

"Next."

[...... ]

When Queen Mother of the West appeared after Taheo Cheonjon, I eyed her suspiciously for a moment.

"Too shady."

They said she wasn't humanoid in the Mythic Age, but her form had changed, and no one knew where her true body was in the Heavenly Realm. Plus, she could descend to earth via Muyeo to suppress Muyeo's guardian if needed—immense power. And when the Nine Heavens Fairy descended to earth or High Heavenly Realm beings, numerous Earth Immortals vanished—highly suspicious.

But I couldn't just ask what her game was. With no choice, I said to Queen Mother of the West,

"Queen Mother. Could you perhaps bestow a blessing to resist Hwayo's fire essence?"

[ Hmm... I can only give longevity blessings... ]

"Someone as omnipotent as you, Queen Mother, could do anything, I think..."

I tried flattery on purpose, but she shot it down flat.

[ No such thing exists. Besides, my essence is already infused in you, so blessings would be pointless. Moving on, then. ]

Flash.

As I performed the offering ritual, I kept pondering. In this situation, what could I do to reach Hwayo? I felt like there was a solution, but it wouldn't come to me. Couldn't rely on Manggyang either—frustrating.

Next.

Next.

Next.

[ I am Taegyeong Maeng. ]

I'd been skipping turns and realized it was Taegyeong Maeng's now. I stared blankly at him, thinking,

'Just take the Four Buddha Status?'

But with the Four Buddha Status play for Hwayo blocked, taking them would overlap with Baekwoong in power and utility. Re-selecting wouldn't give me any clever ideas either.

'Re-select... Great Lao Divine Immortal blessing... Help with Hwayo...'

I'd been racking my brain when suddenly, a great idea hit me.

"Oh ho!"

[ Decided? ]

"Not the Four Buddha Status—give me the re-select option."

[ Understood. Back to the beginning. ]

Looping from Taegyeong Maeng back to Taheo Cheonjon, I skipped straight to Ye.

"Don't like the guy, but let's try it!"

Resolved, I shouted to the heavenly god Ye,

"I want Lord Ye's blessing!"

[ I am Ye. I shall grant you the Power of Inevitability. ]

I'd expected that! Recalling past experience, my eyes gleamed.

"No. That's not enough."

[ What? ]

"I'm not convinced the Power of Inevitability is essential for my survival. Enhance its power or introduce me to someone else."

[ I don't follow. ]

"Hear me out. The White Lotus Cult Leader, Heavenly Spirit Pill, Primordial Spirit Transformation, White Lotus Lord, Musashi—everyone I'd faced at the pinnacle of human strength. Once Ye heard it all in bewilderment, I pressed.

"...So, to survive, Inevitability alone won't cut it."

[ Hmm, is that so... Then no choice. I'll give you my arrows. ]

That was when it happened.

Thunder rumbled, and suddenly, Eight Trigrams floated around Ye's body. The brilliantly manifested trigrams wrapped around him like bindings. Confirming them, Ye cried out to the heavens,

[ Emperor Jun! What is the meaning of this? ]

I knew what this phenomenon was. Soon, a being with a human face, dog's ears, and an indescribable beast body descended from the sky. Grotesque in appearance, but instead of evil, a divine aura poured from it—clearly a sacred existence. This was one of the Nine Li Gods, an apostle of Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors' Emperor Jun.

[ Emperor Jun's will is thus: The Red Bow and White Arrows belong to the Heavenly Emperor. Too great a blessing for a fated-to-die mortal. ]

[ If that's your stance, then what of the feats with this bow slaying the Three-Legged Crow, Nine-Headed Bird, Chiseltooth, Yaoyu, Fengbo, She Gong, Feng Hui, and more? Even the Yellow Emperor could not judge those merits! ]

[... ]

[ Please judge wisely. ]

At last, the argument ended, and a rainbow bird wheeled away. Emperor Jun's permission granted.

[ My Red Bow and White Arrows descend upon you. ]

"Thank you!"

Flash.

As the procession ended, I concluded the Water Yao Offering Ritual. Then I handed Manggyang the black obsidian holding my martial arts memories, the black-and-white lotuses for inner power enhancement, the Sacred Lotus, and the Three Sovereigns' Inner Gate.

"This should make strengthening up easy enough."

Manggyang grinned.

"You're missing one."

"Hmm?"

"From the next reincarnation on, don't forget this when giving me treasures."

He snatched one from the treasures I'd laid out, and I sighed.

"Ah!"

That was the way! Double win. Manggyang was sharp as ever.

With all preparations gathered, Manggyang said,

"Baek Woong. I'm off to Kunlun Mountain and won't emerge until I become an Earth Immortal. If you need strategy in the meantime, go to Zhuge Sa from now on."

"Ugh... That guy..."

"Whatever you say, you two had great chemistry. Explain the situation to him."

With the conversation over, Manggyang departed.

Flash.

Right after everything wrapped up, I used Beodoeng to teleport right before the barrier sealing Hwayo's ruins. A hazy mist-filled barrier loomed, I glared at it and shouted,

"Lord Ye! Destroy the barrier with the Red Bow White Arrows!!"

[ Understood. ]

Rumble rumble rumble.

Right then, the heavenly god and war god Ye possessed my body. Upon descent, Ye summoned a massive flaming bow from thin air, notched a pure white spiritual thunderbolt arrow. He gathered terrifying power, the air scorching around him with deafening roars.

[ First shot! ]

Boom!!

[ Second!! ]

The second arrow struck the barrier, but Hwayo's seal showed no signs of breaking. Ye seemed slightly surprised, bewildered.

[ Hmm, human... What is this barrier? I've rarely seen one so sturdy. ]

He doesn't know this is Hwayo's seal, huh.

Before Ye could ponder deeply, I quickly provoked him.

"Can't break it? I heard you were a mighty war god..."

Ye bristled and said,

[ Who said I can't? This is simple. Only two shots so far. ]

Bang!

Kawabang!

Kwarang!!

Ye's arrows, the White Arrows, hammered the Hwayo barrier repeatedly. In moments, he'd fired six, the heavens and earth shaking with cataclysmic booms. As expected of a war god—the arrows now revealed natural disasters. Incomparable to human power, slowly surpassing even Absolute Realm masters' maximum output.

'Still only the sixth... The remaining three must be monstrous.'

The Red Bow White Arrows were immensely powerful. Each shot compounded the force—nearly doubling. I'd died to it before, so I couldn't view it lightly, but Ye earned his war god title. When Ye wasn't conflicted to spirit damage instead of physical, as so had I grasped the raw destruction, but pure destructive power was this immense.

Crack crack.

Sure enough, the unyielding barrier visibly cracked and splintered. Ye shouted gleefully as he loosed,

[ Seventh!! ]

Kwarang!

Through!! Ye's Red Bow White Arrows pierced a one-zhang hole in one corner of the barrier on the seventh shot. Though the barrier's self-repair was visible, inching closed, no worry—it'd recover slower than the eighth shot's multiplied power could shatter it!

'We did it.'

Operation success: Borrow Ye's Red Bow White Arrows to breach Hwayo barrier!

Once through the barrier, no need to fight Gonggong. Just Beodoeng into the secret chamber, grab Hwayo, out.

This time, no stupid direct grab—use warping power to store it in Mokgap.

[ Heh heh heh, eighth... ]

That was when.

Whirr.

Tang!

Something suddenly materialized before me, swinging a massive pillar-like thing to swat away the eighth White Arrow. The heavenly god Ye frowned at the interloper blocking his attack.

[ What are you? Why block my path? ]

The giant pillar shrank and retracted. It seemed able to freely resize.

[ Uncle Ye. You pretending not to know? It's because of casualty laws and Heavenly Realm orders. ]

A cocky voice replied insolently. The pillar-wielder, apparently. Covered in fur, humanoid but not human. I recognized it as half-monkey, half-man, with crimson eyes and golden pupils.

[ Victorious Fighting Buddha, Handsome Monkey King—stand aside! I'm following the blessing pact. ]

Victorious Fighting Buddha?

What the hell is that?

Ye bellowed, but the monkey-like Fighting Immortal, perched cockily on a cloud, said,

[ What... Fine, but you know this is the Seal of Hwayo among the Seven Luminaries? If a human followed proper procedure, sure, but a Heavenly Realm Fighting Immortal smashing the seal—that violates Heavenly Realm rules. ]

[ Gasp! Really? ]

[ Could I descend from the Heavenly Realm on a whim? My being here is proof, Uncle. I'm on official duty. ]

[ Ugh... This wasn't my choice. ]

[ Sure it isn't. ]

The so-called Victorious Fighting Buddha monkey rolled on his cloud and continued,

[ Choose. Fight me, or back off. ]

Ye irritably said,

[ Hmph, I won't lose to you. ]

[ Who said anything about that? ]

[...... ]

Ye paused thoughtfully. Then declared,

[ Human Baek Woong! You deceived and mocked the Heavenly Realm, goading a Fighting Immortal to break the pact. Your crime is heinous—summary execution! ]

Wait, what?!

What's with the monkey? Hold on!

Kwarang.

Before I could protest, the eighth and ninth White Arrows morphed into spirit form and flew at me. They smashed against the sensation of my soul being shredded, but there was no resisting Ye's deliberate shots.

Consciousness fading.

That was my twenty-first death.

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